Vortec Head Rocker Stud Change
 

Well, I just don't feel comfortable with PRESS in rocker studs. Before I put these heads on my truck I wanted to install screw in studs. I'm dead ready and waiting on the Fed Ex truck!
http://inlinethumb58.webshots.com/55...500x500Q85.jpg
The tools got here and I went right to work. This shot shows the stud puller ready to do its work. On the first few studs the puller was tight going over both studs so I used a small rubber hammer to tap it down firmly. It seemed to get easier after that but I still had to use the hammer to seat the puller on the bosses.
http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/31...500x500Q85.jpg
This is the first stud pulled and the puller being used to tap the first hole. I had a problem with only one hole. It wasn't drilled deep enough to accept the new stud and I had to finish drilling it. After you pull the stud, look down into the hole with a light and check the hole for proper depth.
http://inlinethumb38.webshots.com/33...500x500Q85.jpg
This shows the hole tapped with the little puller at the bottom of the photo. It amazed me how easy it was to pull the studs with this tool and an electric impact hammer. All you have to remember is to stop pulling once or twice and add more washers on the top of the tool.
http://inlinethumb22.webshots.com/55...500x500Q85.jpg
All the holes are tapped and the new studs are ready to put in. Before I did that I washed all the metal from the tapping process with mineral spirits and blew them down real good with compressed air.
http://inlinethumb01.webshots.com/24...500x500Q85.jpg
The new studs are in, torqued to 50 ft. lbs and coated with threadlock.
http://inlinethumb43.webshots.com/37...500x500Q85.jpg
Here are the old pressed in studs.
http://inlinethumb26.webshots.com/36...500x500Q85.jpg
End view of one of the completed heads. All finished, all done and well, uhmm READY TO ROCK. (Sorry I just couldn't help it)
http://inlinethumb07.webshots.com/48...500x500Q85.jpg
Of course I wouldn't have even thought about doing this myself without the help from rage'rat638. Many thanks for all the information from all of you.

Re: Vortec Head Rocker Stud Change
 

see easyest thing to ever did right :metal:

just think what the machine shop would have charged :lol:

plus you got the tools to do it again and again..

great job brother :gi:

Re: Vortec Head Rocker Stud Change
 

after everbody see's this we could move this to the FAQ :metal:

Re: Vortec Head Rocker Stud Change
 

With the right tools its very simple. The thing is, we get in the mind set that all this engine work is "machine" work and some of it really isn't all that difficult to do. That said, I'm not gonna take a rattail file to hone my cylinders.:lol: Thanks again.

Re: Vortec Head Rocker Stud Change
 

Very nice gator2511, IMO it just feels better to DIY too. I agree after a bit send it on to the FAQ's, GR8 TECH so some others that are sceptical about this will give it a try.:metal:

Re: Vortec Head Rocker Stud Change
 

Great thread! Learned something new today.

Re: Vortec Head Rocker Stud Change
 

What brand studs did you use, do you have a part # .

Re: Vortec Head Rocker Stud Change
 

Great job. Vortec heads become not such a great value when you have to take them to the machine shop.

Re: Vortec Head Rocker Stud Change
 

I used Mr. Gasket part #720-1076. $29.99 at Jegs.

Re: Vortec Head Rocker Stud Change
 

glad you got your pictures working again.
the other day all i saw was x's :whine:

great job again :metal: